Any proposed move now looks certain to be called off, as explained by the general manager of Audax, a company that hold a percentage share in the player, alongside Corinthians and BMG.

“We’ll start off by saying that Paulinho has had offers from various clubs, there wasn’t just Inter involved,” Thiago Scuro told FCInterNews.it.

“However, it was Inter that interested Paulinho the most. Why? We are speaking of Inter, one of the biggest clubs in the world, very significant.

“But for family reasons and for his desire to play in the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup, he has been led to reject the offer from Inter.

“Corinthians for their part also fought hard and offered him a deal very close to Inter’s economically, but the Club World Cup and family factors ultimately urged Paulinho to say no.”

However, it is not a closed book for the young footballer’s links to Europe.

“I can say that we are referring Paulinho’s desire to move to Europe for one year. Whilst he wants Europe, it must be with Corinthians, Audax and BMG in mutual agreement too.

“Let’s say that he could leave Corinthians after the Libertadores in 2013. The relationship with Inter has always been very honest and clear - they have enhanced Paulinho a lot too, which is gratifying.

“Now though, the guys dreams of the Confederations Cup, the Club World Cup, the 2014 World Cup and the Libertadores and all the other competitions.

“Also, he stays because Brazil is experiencing a unique moment in economic terms and this encourages players to make an effort and stay.”